Marrakech: Renewed determination by all, leaps of leadership by some

“The last two weeks have seen a renewed determination to move ahead with the Paris Agreement. Here at the UN, countries have taken a small step together and some are already taking the giant leaps we need. 47 countries on the frontline of climate change are setting the pace, and their commitment to 100% renewable energy shows leadership and vision, just what we need from everyone.”

Kaisa Kosonen, head of the UNFCCC Greenpeace delegation to the COP, said:

"We needed a work plan for delivering faster and deeper emission cuts and a strong Paris Agreement rulebook by 2018. We got enough there. But there was nothing like enough support for vulnerable countries.”

“The Marrakech negotiations may be ending, but now is the time for Morocco to spearhead an ambitious transition to a 100% renewable energy future in the region. Morocco has an opportunity to get other Arab and African countries onboard for an energy future driven not by fossil fuels, but the sun and wind. Only if Morocco continues to lead will Marrakech be remembered as a “COP of action”.”

Li Shuo, policy advisor for Greenpeace China, said:

"We have seen China continue with its climate actions and support for the Paris Agreement because it is in its self-interest to do so. China´s drop in coal consumption is driving down global emissions and tackling air pollution at home. We can expect further action as China reaps the benefits of its climate policies.”

Paulo Adario, forest campaigner at Greenpeace International, said:

“Keeping the planet to below 1.5 degrees requires leaps in forest protection and restoration, not steps. Here in Marrakech, there was too much talk of using forests to compensate carbon emissions from lagging sectors like aviation and too little commitment to save our forests.”

In conclusion, Jennifer Morgan said:

“If governments are serious about the Paris Agreement, not a single new fossil fuel project can be licensed anymore. To avoid climate catastrophe we need to keep fossil fuels in the ground, protect our forests and oceans and shift to ecological agriculture and 100% renewable energy. We will be the generation that ends fossil fuels.”